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Monday, 15 October 2018

Royal Tour Oceania Begins With Warm Welcome in Sydney!

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kicked off the first day of their royal tour with several engagements in Sydney.

The day began this morning at Admiralty House, the official Sydney residence of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Cosgrove, for their formal welcoming.

The appearance took place just twelve hours after the Palace confirmed the joyous news the couple are expecting their first child. The official statement read: 'Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019. Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.' Harry and Meghan received good wishes from people all over the world since the delightful news broke.

The couple arrived at Admiralty house - their Sydney base - yesterday morning following a twenty-two hour flight from London. Yesterday provided a chance to catch up on sleep and prep. Harry was appointed a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by Her Majesty earlier this year. Both he and Meghan have spoken about their passion and commitment to representing the Queen abroad and bringing a spotlight to bear on causes they are passionate about. During the engagement interview, Meghan shared her excitement at the prospect of working in Commonwealth countries. "It's a new chapter". Less than one year later, she's undertaking 76 engagements across four Commonwealth countries whilst expecting her first child.

Kensington Palace said: "There is a long history of friendship between The Royal Family and Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand, and their links with the UK are extensive. The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to experiencing the unique cultures and customs of these four Commonwealth countries, and have asked that this tour allow them opportunities to meet as many Australians, Fijians, Tongans and New Zealanders as possible. Together they look forward to building an enduring relationship with the people of the region." Of course, Invictus Sydney is a major focus for the Duke and Duchess and it seemed only fitting their first engagement of the tour would include representatives from each of the eighteen countries who are participating in the Games.

'Inside the mansion’s sitting room, the couple immediately spied a large cuddly kangaroo sitting on the table with, appropriately, a Joey in its pouch. They laughed as they saw it, Meghan exclaiming: ‘That’s so cute, our first baby gift!’ ‘There you are, ‘ said Sir Peter, as Harry leant forward to examine the Joey. ‘And this is your second,’ the Governor-General continued, as his wife handed the prince a pair of tiny Ugg boots.

‘Very Australian Ugg boots,’ said Lady Cosgrove. ‘These are awesome,’ said Harry as he posed for the cameras holding them. The couple were also handed a pair of traditional Australian wife-brimmed Australian Akubras hats as a belated wedding gift.

‘When you go to Dubbo you’ll see some of these,’ said Sir Peter. ‘Thank you so much,’ said Meghan. The four then sat down for a half hour official meeting. ‘Your Royal Highnesses, welcome to Australia,’ said Sir Peter, ‘may we on behalf of all Australians congratulate you both on the announcement that you are expecting a baby. We are delighted, it’s amazing, and I know that the people who are already excited to see you will just be enthralled by the fact of this wonderful news.’After thanking him Harry said: ‘Thank you very much for having us and letting us stay in your wonderful house. And thank you very much for organising the weather! Let’s hope the rain stays off!’

Harry and Meghan receive their Australian Akubras hats.

A view of Admiralty House.

From there, the pair travelled to Taronga Zoo to officially open the new Taronga Institute of Science and Learning.

Meghan received beautiful flowers from two very excited little ones.

During the visit, Harry and Meghan met two koalas and their joeys that are part of the Zoo’s breeding programme, and visited the laboratory to meet female conservation scientists who are working on efforts to reduce illegal wildlife trafficking.

At the Zoo, the couple were presented with Koala and Joey toys by Zookeeper Suzie. Meghan told her they will be going "in the nursery".

A video from the Zoo.

Taronga is home to over 4,000 animals from over 350 species.

Koalas are not only an Australian icon they have an important place in Aboriginal culture through shared stories, dance and rock art. Koalas are an integral part of the Australian bush. Protecting bushland and linking landscapes through the planting of wildlife corridors in an effort to save koala populations also protects the habitat of a wide range of animal and plant species such as possums, gliders, wombats, quolls, birds, and reptiles. The Zoo notes: "Decline in Koala numbers will have a significant, irreversible impact on the biodiversity of this great southern land. As part of Taronga’s commitment to restoring fragmented Koala habitat, the zoo is collaborating with Greenfleet and partnering with the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative and Jaliigirr to facilitate tree planting that increases landscape connectivity."

A look at the new Institute of Science and Learning.

Taronga’s aim is to inspire and educate the next generation of conservation scientists. The Taronga Institute will support the essential need for contextual authentic STEM learning and, together with the wider Zoo sites, will provide authentic, interactive learning opportunities in an environment of working science. We've seen Harry and Meghan support several STEM project since their engagement.

Then it was time to cut the ribbon.

This photo begs a caption contest :)

The Duke and Duchess travelled by vessel across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House.

Inside, they viewed a rehearsal of Spirit 2018 by the Bangarra Dance Theatre, an internationally acclaimed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander modern dance company.

The couple met the dancers afterwards.

Then it was time for the first walkabout of the tour.

Hello Sydney!

The crowds outside Sydney Opera House.

Meghan told the crowds. "It's an exciting time. I've been so happy".

Prince Harry was reunited with Daphne Dunn.

The 98-year-old widow met Harry twice before during his visits to Australia. Harry was delighted to see her again and to introduce Meghan his wife.

'Daphne Dunn, 98, has been dubbed Prince Harry's 'favourite Aussie' with the Duke of Sussex stopping to have lengthy chats with her during both his 2015 and 2017 trips to Australia. War widow Daphne's first husband, Lieutenant Albert Chowne, died aged 25 in 1945 during an attack on a Japanese machine gun post in Papua New Guinea. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross which Mrs Dunne was wearing when she first met Prince Harry.

Meghan said: 'I'm so glad I got to meet you. Harry has told me all about you and your special bond, it's so lovely you came to see us, thank you.' Daphne said: 'It was lovely to meet the Duchess Meghan. Harry is a wonderful man and I'm so happy he had found happiness, they both deserved the absolute world together.'

Asked if this time was the most special meeting her hero Harry, Daphne said: 'Well it was certainly different. He's married now for a start and he looks very happy. I am over the moon for him. She is a wonderful girl. 'I congratulated them on their baby and said I wished them all the happiness they deserve.' Before leaving, Meghan told her: 'Hopefully next time we'll have our little one with us.'

Daphne described seeing them both as "marvellous".

There's lovely footage of the meeting in this video.

The walkabout was filled with fun moments.

A beautiful photo of Meghan meeting a little girl with flowers.

Harry called Meghan over to meet a nine-year-old girl who was wearing a shirt with "Girls Can Do Anything" printed on it. Meghan told the girl she reminded her so much of herself and Harry took a photo of them together.

a nine year old girl was wearing what looks to believe a “girls can do anything” shirt so harry asked her “do you want to meet my wife?” and called meghan over to meet her and meghan told her that she “reminded her so much of herself she was little” and harry took a photo of them pic.twitter.com/geegGtYtbf

Meghan wore a classic trench coat, a sophisticated dress by an Australian designer and Diana's jewels.

Hello Canada exclusively revealed the trench is by Australian designer Martin Grant. The coat is from the Resort 2019 Collection.

The Duchess wore the Blessed Dress by Australian designer Karen Gee (with thanks to Meghan's Mirror). It was great to see Meghan starting the tour with a sartorial nod to a local designer. The $1800 dress features a simple, structured fit designed to contour the body for a sleek silhouette. Crafted in premium fabric, the ivory piece is described as a "timeless classic that will take you from day to night with ease.

Founder Karen Gee started the business with no retail experience whatsoever. Discussing launching the brand she said: "I worked tirelessly day and night, calling, emailing and meeting with people to explore any and all opportunities, learning resilience as it was at this time I was constantly hearing the words ‘no’ and ‘it is not possible."

'Encompassing the utmost importance of positive body image, inner beauty and self-worth, the brand was formed with a primary focus on style and helping women feel not only comfortable but confident, each design promises the perfect fit and the ability to celebrate all women, regardless of shape or size.

The Karen Gee Brand has become renowned for its signature structure, flattering cuts and versatile nature – pieces that contour the body and promise a sleek and flawless silhouette without restricting the wearer. These hand-crafted garments may also be customized for the individual with colour choices and a host of other bespoke design options to suit each client’s unique requirements and taste.

2016 saw the incredible milestone that was the opening of a Flagship Store located in Sydney’s Chifley Plaza. Here we offer one-on-one private consultations to ensure that every woman gets the true KG experience. In 2017 KARENGEE launched KG Corporate, a new service comprised of dedicated consultants that may assist you with your unique wardrobe needs at your office and on your schedule for a truly unique “shopping” experience.

This is a brand that truly cares and is dedicated to helping you feel beautiful in every way; a brand that celebrates ALL women and every unique quality that makes you, you; a brand to empower women and ensure you feel strong, confident and ready to take on the world. KARENGEE is a brand made by women for women, because who else better to understand? While available internationally, all garments are proudly made in Australia and accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia.'

The Duchess paid tribute to the late Princess Diana by wearing pieces from her personal jewellery collection.

Royal Watcher quickly noted Meghan wore Diana's gold butterfly earrings. Hello reports: "It seems likely the butterfly earrings were a gift from her husband Prince Harry on the happy news that he would soon become a father. The stunning jewel-encrusted butterfly earrings were the finishing touch to the Duchess of Sussex's first Royal Tour outfit as she stepped out in Sydney this morning."

Meghan also wore Diana's gold bracelet with blue stones. Reporter Rebecca English added: "Really touching to think that Harry’s mother’s personal jewellery is now being worn by the daughter-in-law she never got to meet."

Later, the Duke and Duchess will attend a Reception hosted by the Governor-General at Admiralty House, to be attended by Australians from a broad range of sectors including charity and community, business and industry, arts and culture, sport and entertainment.

Agree. I was looking back at... that blue ruffle dress, black dress, the wedding coat... she looked fuller but it could have been the dress. I was wondering why she would ever wear that blue ruffle dress which was definitely looked maternity from certain angles. Now we know! How joyous!

Omg what a nice classic dress! It fits her perfectly and again, she looks so approachable. She looks like the royal-next-door in the best way. The people she meets on the tour are just going to love her, I can tell.

Meghan's wearing a "tight" oh sorry - bodycon - dress because that's how she often dresses and it's warm in Australia. She's not "showing" yet....there isn't any bump to hide. The media is ridiculous. Talking about how she's been dressing to hide her pregnancy. For example, the blue Jason Wu dress. She wore that dress on September 6. She supposedly got pregnant mid July. On September 6 she would have been less than two months pregnant. Everything is over analyzed in order to sell and people are buying it.

@Pamfromboston, I only meant she doesn’t have to hide that she’s pregnant. Having been pregnant twice I know that those first weeks you are so excited but nervous and so many changes are happening in your body that you kinda want to cocoon in a blanket for a while. With the announcement made she can focus on the tour and not stress the body changes, even if they aren’t visible. I have never commented on baby bump visibility or speculation on whether anyone is pregnant.

I think she might be a little more pregnant than people think, I think that she has looked a little 'thicker' across the tummy for a few weeks now. She is very slim and any change would be noticeable early. I am far from an observant person but that is what I have been thinking.

Today proves the point I was trying to make in the previous post about the pregnancy announcement. Meghan doesn't look pregnant at all. No need to wear a big coat to Eugenie's wedding to hide a bump as there's no bump to hide yet. She simply favors big coats.

Pam from Boston, I tend to agree with you. Big coats are still trending everywhere and it's simply a style she favours. This dress brought back memories of a very similar one I wore in high school (70s). I had a second in rust brown just like it. Some things are timeless.

I actually do think she looks pregnant in some side photos. If we had never seen her, then sure, she doesn't look pregnant (i.e. her stomach is still very flat). But, knowing what she looked like last year, she has a noticeable baby belly, IMO.

For e.g. in these two, she looks rounder in the belly area IMO: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dplcv-XV4AEBpF5.jpghttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/DplbjpaWkAIT6jv.jpg

Also, in the video where they receive the baby gifts, when she comes in and is starting to walk across the room, her belly looks rounded. I am actually re-thinking my prediction of a boy after seeing her belly because it looks like a girl pregnancy belly, to me.

Here is the link to the video: https://twitter.com/RE_DailyMail/status/1051958761756221443

Meghan has not always photographed with a flat stomach. You can see that in photos from before the wedding even. Sometimes, people want to see what they want to see. She might pop and look pregnant tomorrow but not today.

Yay, it's begun! Meghan looks classically Meghan and chic -- I'm glad she's wearing a bright white instead of a darker color. This fits her to a T. I don't know that we'll be able to see anything yet, but as someone else already pointed out, at least she won't have to worry about hiding it.

I'm sure she had enough advanced notice to have some outfits made for this tour plus pregnancy.

I think, like Kate, that Meghan has a body that will allow her to wear non-maternity wear while pregnant. I doubt she's far enough along for anything beyond looser waistlines. I loved the white dress, not so crazy about the green one. They both look so happy, it's sweet.

The dress is lovely but I find the length a little awkward. I just saw a full length shot and just like the yellow Brandon Maxwell that she looked great in, I think both dresses would look better falling just under the knee so maybe an inch shorter. As to the timing of the big announcement, now I am really confused. Looking at pictures taken from the side, she doesn't look pregnant at all. The blue coat worn open past the top 2 buttons at the wedding and holding file folders yesterday seem like an attempt to hide something that's not even there. Didn't she realize that this would just fuel speculation?

Firstly, I think she is thicker around the waist - it juts out more in profile. To me she looks like she is 14 weeks along, not 12. As I said in my last post, when your waist thickens you know it but there are plenty of ways to wear clothes such that people won't notice it. So a peplum top or loser shirt over lose trousers or a fit and flare dress that flares from above the waist would camouflage that slight jutting stomach. But I don't think Meghan is used to keeping secrets LOL. The folder holding was a dead giveaway as far as I am concerned ( I hate to speculate on pregnancy and even I knew yesterday that something was up) and was reminiscent of the banana-spooning instagram and the bracelet instagram. I think that this is Meghan's habit - she is used to playing for the media and literally can't help it. That is what we saw here.

I don't think she has popped at all in the abdomen area. To me the only physical differences are a little bit of change in her facial shape, a little fuller maybe, and possible the chest region but really not enough to be like "SHE'S PREGNANT!" I think sometimes when people really want to see something they can convince themselves that they see it. I think the biggest tells are their smiles!

Yes, Rosman! I think you hit the nail on the head. Meghan wanted to share her secret. I had forgotten about the banana-spooning and bracelet pics on social media. OK, the girl is deliriously happy and wanted to announce. Makes sense to me.

Does anyone know why the KP twitter has been completely silent so far (after the baby announcement)? I'm shocked that they haven't been tweeting about the Sussexes first two engagements. Very disappointing, IMO.

Yes, Chrystal, exactly. Tweeting can be done from anywhere - no one has to actually be in the KP offices - so it doesn't make sense to me that they would have to wait until UK business hours. But anyway, glad to see someone finally got their act together at the palace :)

Erika...this is off topic, but I've been trying out the luminous Laura Mercier primer and loving it, so far. I believe it was you who ID'd it as one that Meghan uses/used and recommended it? It really does give a great glow throughout the entire day and hasn't caused any skin reactions. Thanks for the tip ;)

She looks stunning!!! I love that color on her. I agree with another commenter that she probably wore darker colors to decrease pregnancy rumors. I'm so excited for the tour - Harry & Meghan look so happy!

I'm just watching live coverage on the TV here in Sydney. Meghan looks glowing and beautiful today, love the dress and the trench coat she added onto it for the Taronga zoo part of the day. However, I feel that she should have had her hair either up in a ponytail or bun or half up half down as it's a windyish day and she's going to be near the harbour/ on the water. She keeps touching her hair and moving it/ preening it and it's so so distracting 😱

God, it is so embarrassing to hear the people on that morning show talking about whether they see a baby bump. And the camera person zooming in. Can't she - and all pregnant women, and women in general - keep their bodies to themselves? I've never been pregnant but I imagine that having everyone you know, and people you don't know, constantly talking about your body must be one of the worst things about it.

I thought the exact same thing! You could just hear the men thinking about whether to chime in, and what might be an appropriate thing to say! Probably safer not to talk about someone's body at all, even though the progression of pregnancy is exciting.

I agree. I find it incredibly off-putting. I always stay away from pregnancy discussions for this reason. It's really literally none of anyone else's business. Farthest away from our business as it can possibly be.

At least, Anonymous @!:39, she won't have strangers putting their hands on her stomach when she gets a bit bigger! Yes, we know she's expecting now, but allowing her a bit of dignity in the process would be very welcome!

Meghan dresses to please herself. She is probably never going to wear lots of bright colors and she is going to have her clothes tailored to fit the way she wants her clothes to fit. Please just let Meghan be Meghan. Don’t try to make her into someone else. All this continuing negative chatter about clothes choices reduces Meghan to nothing more than a live Barbie doll to be dressed according to other people’s tastes, It detracts from the causes she seeks to publicize. Good work gets lost in all the quibbling about what is, after all, her personal taste and style.

I thought the dress looked good on her and I loved that she’s wearing Diana’s jewels. I can’t wait to see what Meghan wears to the reception (hopefully it will be cocktail attire as the dress code.)The gifts were cute and the animals at the zoo even cuter.

Meghan is looking so vibrant not because she has the magic glow of pregnancy but she displays a happy and healthy women in her smile, walk and engaging way. She has just gotten on with it, she is simply doing her job in the most natural way that is her style. I love the way Harry looks after her. His pride in her has not altered in any way from the moment they walked hand in hand to announce their engagement. I don't know who is the more lucky, he for having her or her for having him. And, soon they will be three...

What great start to the tour they look happy....BUT can we note how grumpy the Koala looked like he just wanted to eat with out people lol. There are some pretty funny pictures of the bear on twitter. Cant wait for the rest.

What a lovely day! it becomes evident that all the black and dark colors was because Meghan wanted to hide the bump. So glad she chose white to debut and accentuate her growing baby bump! While fashion is important and fun I really enjoy their interactions with the public. Meghan meeting Daphne! what an amazing and full circle moment. I especially love how this shows their real bond. Meghan knew how important Daphne was to Harry and Harry wanted to introduce them together! So kind of her to mention their little one meeting Daphne in the future!

I don't want to disappoint fans of flowers, crayon colors and endless patterned dresses but Meghan has dressed in the neutral colors she is most comfortable in long before she became the DoS. Her neutral pallet is her style. She has spoken of this on her former blog The Tig. Her cream dress today is a true neutral and popular for the current weather on their travels. I would not be surprised to see this lovely dress reappear with a black or navy jacket/blazer. I for one appreciate the fact that she sticks to her own personal style regardless of public opinion.

I was just reviewing H&M tour schedule for tomorrow and beyond before giving my computer a rest for the night. Reading the calendar you have provided Charlotte I took the time to actually count the number of days they have worked since their engagement. It is a startling 120 appointments give or take. At the end of the year when the palace publishes the working royals yearly appointments there should not be one negative comment in regard to their work ethic.

@Charlotte: I'm not sure if I'm allowed to link another blog on yours but it might be interesting for all statistic lovers.

@USA Granny: Meghan had roughly 40 official engagements since her wedding until the end of September. Additionally, she did a few before she married. Here is a very nice website where you can see the royal family's workload until September: https://writeroyalty.com/the-royals-return-to-work-in-september/

But this tour will change her statistics radically. Additionally, there were many meetings behind closed doors we know nothing about. And I believe it takes a lot of work to get to know all the possibilities she has now and to decide which organisations to support. (plus getting to know the firm and becoming/being pregnant :))

Fantastic first day! After viewing the updates, is it just me or does Meghan seem a little less animated than usual? I'm sure she's probably tired from the trip, not to mention whatever one's body feels like when 12-15 weeks along.

Thank you Charlotte. I’ve had the best day here in Sydney. Mum and I lined up for the walkabout at around 10:15am and we had a lovely time chatting with others while we all waited. It is the most glorious day and was quite hot out in the sun. Harry and Meghan arrived at around 12:45pm and I was very lucky to shake both Meghan and Harry’s hands I was able to congratulate them both!! Absolutely thrilling!! Meghan is tiny and has a warm smile and Harry was gorgeous and tall.

Love this outfit!! The dress is gorgeous - lovely colour for this time of year, and the cut suits her well. Perfect with the lovely trench coat too! If this is a sign of what's to come, we can definitely be excited!

Great for you, Lucy Anne. That is simply fantastic!!! Thanks, Charlotte for a wonderful post. I’m delighted that the Duke of Sussex was able to see his friend Daphne Dunn. That was sweet and special when he introduced her to his wife. Charlotte, thanks for the info on the zoo. I enjoy visiting zoos when the funding is available to really provide for and take care of the animals. From what I read, Taronga Zoo is a world favorite👏🏽👏🏽.

What a great way to start the tour. The dress, the trench, the ballerinas and the beautiful jewelry for me. Glad they announced the pregnancy during the tour because it is quite trying and will not wake up when she will not drink alcohol or she will need to rest. Harry is adorable the future fatherhood is going to delight him.

Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)